This episode is a little different as we are boosting the signal to share information about assistance programs for farms to deal with the impacts of this extended drought period. Please note that the speakers here are from the Potomac Highlands and you will need to contact your local service providers to learn about the NRCS programs open to your area.

Drought is hard on all plants, even the mighty oak. Early leaf drop, root loss, and increased danger of predation by insects are but a few of the impacts. Watering orchard, yard, and street trees can help keep them strong for many years to come.

If you are looking to expand your spring flowering, you have to plan ahead. September is a great time to plant new bulbs, corms, and rhizomes. Enjoy greater success with proper vernalization, planting, and placement.

If you are in an area facing drought, there are a few things you can do to protect your crops beyond irrigation.

It has been a harsh summer. Many pastures and hayfields are dry and crispy. Luckily, we snagged this amazing interview from Ed Rayburn before he retired on what you need to do to bring them back!

If you raise livestock, you are a grass farmer. Hay and forage are key to meeting your management goals and making a profit. But, do you know where you can cut corners and where you can't?

Food waste and Yard waste make a nearly 10 million ton per year problem. But there is one simple thing we can do to make a big impact, compost. You can compost nearly anywhere and on any scale as long as you follow a few simple rules. Give it a try and make a difference in your landfill (and get free fertilizer while you're at it)!

The lack of rain and heat has impacted our cool season grasses. If you're looking at a lost second cut of hay or stalled growth in the pasture, it's time to look at how the rest of the year is going to play out. Avoid overgrazing pastures to eek out the summer. Feeding hay is a better way to put weight on right now. Then, look at how that extra hay is going to impact your bottom line.